The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has issued arrest warrants for 37 Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Israel Katz, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, over alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Turkish media reported that the warrants accuse the Israeli leaders of committing crimes against humanity and genocide during military operations in the enclave since October 2023.

According to the prosecutor’s office, the Israeli military systematically targeted civilians, hospitals, and vital infrastructure, actions it described as violations of international law.

The statement cited several incidents, including the killing of six-year-old Hind Rajab and the repeated bombings of medical facilities in Gaza, as evidence of deliberate attacks on non-combatants.

The prosecutors also referenced Israel’s assault on the Global Sumud Flotilla, one of the largest international aid missions attempting to break the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza.

Turkey has been one of Israel’s strongest critics throughout the conflict, suspending diplomatic and trade relations earlier this year in protest against the war.

The latest move comes after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on similar charges of war crimes.